“Lights Down Low,” scheduled for release this Feb is a cd of cover tunes which may appear randomly diverse at first read – Joy Division, ABBA, Bob Marley, The Clash – but dav’s intensity and the musical ingenuity of her partner in the project, Danny Michel, create a disc that feels like a natural whole. dav explores every facet of her voice and reveals depths of tenderness and passion. She and Danny play with rhythms and arrangements that honour proven hits with fresh perspectives and a true love for the music. dav refers to the cd as “the perfect dinner party record” in its eclectic representation of musical genres and eras.
damhnait’s career is charging ahead on every level as she continues to explore a variety of creative outlets. In addition to her recent solo project, dav and Kim toured throughout 2007 to promote Shaye’s latest cd, “Lake of Fire.” The title track soared to #13 on the A/C charts and “You’re Not Alone” followed with similar success. The girls also shot a very well received 4-part reality/documentary television series with Global which featured an authentic, unscripted and sometimes hysterical glimpse behind the entertainment curtain. The show follows the girls as they promote “Lake Of Fire” which built on the momentum established by two huge radio hits from the first cd, “The bridge.” (“Happy Baby” and “Beauty” both shot instantly into the Top Twenty on the A/C charts and “Happy Baby” earned a SOCAN Award, A Canadian Radio Music Award and a Juno nomination.) Shaye’s self-titled show aired initially on the E! network and was picked up later in the fall and aired on CMT.
Whether with Shaye or performing solo, damhnait has toured Canada extensively, opening for legends like Willie Nelson and sharing the stage as special guest with such artists as Nelly Furtado, Dido and Jann Arden. With Shaye, she has represented Canada at Japan’s 2005 Expo and has performed on Canada Day on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. On her own, dav has travelled to Kandahar twice to perform for Canadian forces personnel – initially as part of a CBC Christmas television special and subsequently as a guest of General Rick Hillier. She also journeyed to Africa to contribute her talents to the documentary The Song for Africa, a project aimed at raising awareness about the AIDS pandemic in Africa among Canada’s youth. Her insightful and humorous recounting of her experiences is what prompted the publication of her first book, “Miscellaneous Female.”
damhnait dedicates a significant amount of time and energy to co-writing – efforts which have paid off with covers by Brian Melo, Eva Avila, Rex Goudie and Alexz Johnson, as well as multiple television and film placements. Never one to stray far from a microphone, dav has guested on recordings with Bruce Cockburn, Kevin Parent and Justin Nozuka – to name just a few. Her previous solo effort “dav-net” was a sophisticated, acoustic, roots/rock recording, with mature, powerful writing. “dav-net” garnered two 2004 East Coast Music Awards for Female and Pop/Rock Recording of the year and dav placed as a finalist in the International Songwriting Competition for her song, “Afterglow.”
dynamic and innovative . . . emotional and intelligent . . .
QUOTES:
"...my favourite performer was Doyle, whose sassy energy lit up the stage, while her dazzling sequined mini-dress and four-inch heels lent an air of glamour to the occasion."
The Ottawa Citizen
“a versatile voice that is angel-pure one minute, deep and hurtin’ the next”
Here Magazine
“Raw acoustic sounding collage of songs full of angst, heart-breaking stories and stellar songwriting”
Newfoundland Herald
“This Newfoundland raised singer with the soaring voice just released a lovely new album.”
The Daily News
“This album is an extremely immediate, personal and moody folk-pop recording.”
The Calgary Sun
“damhnait has evolved into a great singer/songwriter.”
Times & Transcript
“The album has an earthly appeal that should click with fans.”
Canadian Music Network Magazine
“If you don’t like this cd for her sweet honesty, then you’ll likely fall for the enchantingly sexy vocals, but I promise real fans of acoustic pop that you’ll adore it for a dozen other reasons . . . I’m sorry but that girl is gold, solid gold.”
The Gate
“Her voice is now rich and mellow, with a tang, and her emphasis is firmly on the songwriting.”
New Brunswick Reader
“There are many moments of pure power.”
Metro Toronto
“Doyle’s pride in this album is deserved.”
FFWD
“Third time is a charm for Damhnait.”
The Record
Say What You Will
Damhnait Doyle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For the time that I spent with you
Its like a dream come true
If this was a last goodbye
No more tears to dry
I would say it one more time
Its been more than fine
How could've known
Say what you will before it's too late
Say what you will mmhmm
Say what you will before it's too late
Say what you will mmhmm
If you were to walk away
Know you couldn't stay
Think of all the times we've had
All the good and bad
How could've known
How could've shown
Say what you will before it's too late
Say what you will mmhmm
Say what you will before it's too late
Say what you will mmhmm
All the time that I was holding back
Just trying to protect myself
I want you to know
I loved you more than that
Say what you will before it's too late
Say what you will mmhmm
Say what you will before it's too late
Say what you will mmhmm
Say what you will before it's too late
Say what you will mmhmm
Say what you will before it's too late
Say what you will mmhmm
If I were to die today my life would be more than okay
The lyrics of "Say What You Will" by Damhnait Doyle explores the emotions around the idea of saying what you need to say before it's too late. The first verse looks at the relationship between the singer and an unnamed person. The singer and the person have had good times together, and even if they were to part now, she would not have any regrets as she has already said all she needed to say. The song's tone feels quite grateful for the time they had together and is content to move forward in their own way.
The chorus offers this message of saying what you need to say before it is too late. It's a powerful reminder that people often put things off, but sometimes opportunities pass by, and they never get the chance to say what is on their minds. The repetition of "Say what you will" drives home this message, putting an emphasis on the importance of not holding back.
The second verse appears to be directed toward the unnamed person. The singer has a desire to make peace and move forward, realizing that they could not have known or shown what was in their heart. There is a sense of vulnerability, and the listener can sense a plea for forgiveness.
Overall, "Say What You Will" is a reminder to live life with no regrets and not to hold back from expressing oneself in relationships. The song's theme is about owning up to your feelings and saying your piece, even if it's hard or uncomfortable. It reminds listeners that life is fleeting and that they should make the most of the time they have with others, making it a poignant song that resonates with many.
Line by Line Meaning
If I were to die today my life would be more than okay
I am content with the time I have spent with you and if I were to pass away today, I would have no regrets.
For the time that I spent with you, It's like a dream come true
Being with you feels like a wonderful dream that has come true and I'm grateful for the time we have spent together.
If this was a last goodbye, No more tears to dry, I would say it one more time, It's been more than fine
If we had to part ways forever, I would have no regrets or sorrow, and I would tell you that being with you was more than just okay, it was wonderful.
How could have known, How could have shown
I wonder if there was anything else I could have done or said to make you understand how much you mean to me.
Say what you will before it's too late, Say what you will mmhmm
Express yourself to the person you love before it's too late because life is unpredictable and you may never get the chance again.
If you were to walk away, Know you couldn't stay, Think of all the times we've had, All the good and bad
If you were to leave, remember all the moments we shared, the good and the bad, and know that you will always hold a special place in my heart.
All the time that I was holding back, Just trying to protect myself, I want you to know, I loved you more than that
I may have held back my emotions to protect myself, but I want you to know that I have always loved you more than my fears and insecurities.
Contributed by Michael P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.